Doha, April 07 (QNA) - The West Asian Athletics Club Championship got underway today at the Suhaim bin Hamad Stadium in Qatar Sports Club, featuring over 400 male and female athletes representing 22 clubs from 11 countries within the West Asian Athletics Federation. The championship will run through April 10 and includes 23 track and field events.

The opening ceremony featured a parade of participating clubs, followed by the championship oath delivered by Qatari Olympic and world champion Mutaz Barshim, who emphasized the athletes' commitment to fair play and the core values of sport. The ceremony was attended by HE President of the Asian Athletics Association, Dahlan Al Hamad; Vice President of the West Asian Athletics Federation and President of the Qatar Athletics Federation, Mohammed Issa Al Fadala; Chairman of Al Ahli Club, Hassan Youssef Al Mulla along with members of the organizing committee.

The opening day saw an impressive performance by Qatari club Al Ahli, which claimed four gold medals. Mohammed Ali Ammar won the gold medal in the men's 10 km race walk with a time of 43:41.50, ahead of Aboud Jouda of Jordan's Shafa Badran Club who took silver (46:45.41), while Al Ahli's Ramzi Ahmed Salah earned bronze (52:53.83).

In the men's long jump, Al Ahli's David Bradol clinched gold with a leap of 7.75 meters. His teammate Yassine Sassi claimed silver (7.59m), and bronze went to Abdulbasit Sido with a jump of 7.38 meters.

Al Ahli continued its dominance in the shot put, as Yousef Bakhit secured gold with a throw of 19.68 meters. Saudi Arabia's Ahmed Desouki from Al-Baha Club won silver (18.13m), while Kuwait's Hussein Al Tamimi of Kazma Club took bronze (16.85m).

In the women's hammer throw, Al Ahli's Rowan Ayman Taha took gold with a throw of 62.68 meters. Linda Britt from Qatar's Al Arabi Club earned silver (59.03m), and her teammate Nabiha bint Kamal Al Qaddah claimed bronze (46.07m). 

HE President of the Asian Athletics Association, Dahlan Al Hamad praised the strong start of the West Asian Athletics Club Championship and the competitive spirit among participating athletes, highlighting the event's significant role in helping athletes develop their skills and improve their records.

Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Al Hamad expressed full confidence in Qatar's ability to deliver a successful edition of the championship, crediting Al Ahli Club for its high-level organizational standards. He also commended the impressive athletic performances witnessed on the opening day, suggesting the emergence of a promising new generation of talent in West Asia.

Al Hamad emphasized the Asian Athletics Association's commitment to developing athletics across the continent through its five-zone system, which ensures that competitions like the West Asian Club Championship adhere to strict organizational standards. He lauded Qatar's reputation in athletics and its ongoing efforts to enhance the sport by hosting top-tier events that provide athletes with opportunities for growth and development.

He noted that the championship serves as a valuable platform for athletes from across West Asia to compete, gain experience, and aim for personal bests, helping shape the future of athletics in the region.

Al Hamad added that the association places great importance on regional development to discover and nurture athletic talent. He highlighted that dividing Asia into five zones, including West Asia, allows for more tailored development initiatives and events that will help produce the continent's future stars.

Meanwhile, General Manager of Al Ahli Club and head of the organizing committee, Aref Abdulrahman Al Abdullah acknowledged the significant role played by Qatar Sports Club in ensuring the championship's success by providing key logistical support. He noted that hosting the event was a recognition of Al Ahli's consistent excellence, as the club has won the General Excellence Shield in athletics for three consecutive years.

Al Abdullah also expressed pride in the championship being classified at the global "E" level, stating that this achievement will motivate organizers to apply even higher standards in future events and continue securing medals that enhance Qatar's standing in athletics on the regional and international stage. (QNA)